Accountant and Financial Consulting Services for the East Orange Water Commission

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners is soliciting proposals for comprehensive Accountant and Financial Consulting Services for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. This engagement requires expertise in operational and financial advisory services aligned with utility industry standards, including metered revenue capture, customer service billing, and capital project execution monitoring. The selected consultant will support capital financing and debt management, collaborating with bond counsel and the NJIB, and working with the Commission's engineers and financing advisors on capital projects. Key responsibilities extend to providing accounting, budgetary, and long-term financial plan advisory services, producing monthly and yearly forecasts of revenue, expenses, and cash balance changes. The role also involves inspecting financial transactions for regulatory compliance, advising on legislative changes, and providing part-time staff assistance to the Commission’s Finance Team for statements, audit reporting, and general ledger maintenance. Consultants will attend EOBWC Monthly Commissioner’s meetings, assist in annual budget preparation considering utility variables, support the City’s retained auditor, and manage financial records in compliance with state requirements for public agencies. Contractors must demonstrate robust qualifications, including a minimum of 10 years of utility experience, with water and wastewater experience being a significant advantage. Essential expertise covers municipal financial utility operations, financial experience in large capital management projects, and coordination of capital project finance. Proposers should possess proven financial and audit experience, showcasing a track record of professional interface with outside auditors. While not strictly mandatory, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential with public accounting and auditing experience or a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) License from the State of New Jersey is highly beneficial, alongside utility budget and forecasting experience. Knowledge of best practices for CMMS systems, integrated customer service work order and billing systems, and utility meter management is expected. The ability to effectively communicate financial needs to all levels of utility employees and management, and provide strategic advice to the Board of Water Commissioners on utility operations, cost efficiencies, and capital planning, is crucial. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated in the provided documents. Proposals must be submitted to the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The firm deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, when proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Submissions must be sealed, clearly labeled with the consultant’s name and the title "ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE EAST ORANGE WATER COMMISSION." Required documents include, but are not limited to, a Business Entity Disclosure Certification, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, Qualification Affidavit, and Letters of Intent and Qualification. Bidders are required to submit one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional copies, and one (1) thumb drive of their complete submission. There are no explicit requirements for bid security or performance bonds mentioned in this solicitation. For specific inquiries regarding this Request for Proposals, Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, can be contacted directly at (973) 266-5162.